Des Moines Register seeks a breaking news reporter

The Des Moines Register is seeking a breaking news reporter to cover crime, fires, traffic accidents, weather disasters and other spot news in central Iowa and to travel across Iowa for big news. This reporter also will have the opportunity to handle some courts coverage.

A breaking news reporter must be adept at taking photos and video and will file quickly across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.

This reporter will be expected to develop enterprise and investigative work, whether landing exclusive interviews with victims or developing sophisticated analysis of crime trends. Database skills are a plus. Crime coverage will be focused less on specific incidents and more on how crime is affecting communities and how they can combat it. As needed, this reporter will also handle breaking news across other beats, such as government and business, and handle general assignments.

Clear, fast writing is essential, along with the ability to turn breaking news coverage into readable storytelling. Source development will be critical, among first responders, police, judges, court staff and community residents. Duties include writing compelling headlines and employing SEO best practices to draw in readers.

While days and hours can vary, this reporter will generally work evenings and one weekend shift.

In this role, you will:

• Research, report and produce compelling content that informs and engages readers.
• Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
• Produce watchdog journalism that leads to change.
• Use live video to spotlight breaking news and high-interest events.
• Produce content in alternative forms (listicles, Q&As, narratives, photo galleries, video) that are tailored to the right platform (mobile, desktop, social media) to best reach the audience.
• Use real-time metrics to respond to user demand and reader interest.

Here’s what you need:

• Bachelor’s or master’s in communications, journalism, marketing or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior professional journalism experience or significant internship experience.
• High-level writing, communication and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work well on deadline.
• Ability to shoot photos and video and file quickly across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.
• Ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and publication ready.
• Comfort with using social media such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to enhance reporting and promote stories.
• Understanding of reporting ethics and sourcing.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check, motor vehicle record check & drug screen.

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

1. Your resume – one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
3. Links to 5-10 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration. 

For further information click here.